We used to call him "Little Jimmy."
He was actually my oldest friend, we both were in 1st grade, St. Leonards.
I remember one morning I was stood in the corner of the Nun's convent for
some silly playground infraction and then in comes a Nun with Little Jimmy
(Crutches and all since he had suffered polio back then)
and stands him in the opposite corner for a similar stunt I suppose.
We were friends ever since, too funny.
I could recount dozens of episodes throughout our youth that would be
entertaining reading but suffice it to say he was a very good friend.
Jimmy served honorably in the Army, came out used his GI Bill to get a degree
and went on to become a lawyer!
Rest in Peace Brother!
Thank you, Bill Poling, for sharing those memories of Jimmy Chess. Our friends and loved ones live on, as long as we remember.
I came to St. Leonard's in 4th grade and while we all shared some memories, I was almost always in "the OTHER room". Due to that, and the fact that I wasn't very outgoing, I didn't get to know either of you very well. Having a shared punishment from the nuns was a real memorable way to start a friendship.
I remember that room well Frank, in between floors on the rectory side of the school! LOL. I was in there the day Kennedy got shot and Sister Mary Margaret came in told me to go home. WOW, I thought I was in real trouble then, not made aware of the tragedy at that point, just told to go home. Of course all the kids were leaving to my relief!
The following year they sent me home with a note to my mother, "my brother Jim was fine, my sister Nancy was fine, my brother Kenny was fine, but Billy, we can no longer accept him here, he is too much trouble." So in mid year 5th grade began attending Pershing, heck, it was a block from my house on Elmwood, so much closer to walk. LOL. Thanks for the memories Frank. God bless all our lost MW71 crew!
William Poling
We used to call him "Little Jimmy."
He was actually my oldest friend, we both were in 1st grade, St. Leonards.
I remember one morning I was stood in the corner of the Nun's convent for
some silly playground infraction and then in comes a Nun with Little Jimmy
(Crutches and all since he had suffered polio back then)
and stands him in the opposite corner for a similar stunt I suppose.
We were friends ever since, too funny.
I could recount dozens of episodes throughout our youth that would be
entertaining reading but suffice it to say he was a very good friend.
Jimmy served honorably in the Army, came out used his GI Bill to get a degree
and went on to become a lawyer!
Rest in Peace Brother!
Frank Mastny
Thank you, Bill Poling, for sharing those memories of Jimmy Chess. Our friends and loved ones live on, as long as we remember.
I came to St. Leonard's in 4th grade and while we all shared some memories, I was almost always in "the OTHER room". Due to that, and the fact that I wasn't very outgoing, I didn't get to know either of you very well. Having a shared punishment from the nuns was a real memorable way to start a friendship.
William Poling
I remember that room well Frank, in between floors on the rectory side of the school! LOL. I was in there the day Kennedy got shot and Sister Mary Margaret came in told me to go home. WOW, I thought I was in real trouble then, not made aware of the tragedy at that point, just told to go home. Of course all the kids were leaving to my relief!
The following year they sent me home with a note to my mother, "my brother Jim was fine, my sister Nancy was fine, my brother Kenny was fine, but Billy, we can no longer accept him here, he is too much trouble." So in mid year 5th grade began attending Pershing, heck, it was a block from my house on Elmwood, so much closer to walk. LOL. Thanks for the memories Frank. God bless all our lost MW71 crew!